30 September 2014

US Approves FMS of Nine UH-72 Lakota for Thailand

30 September 2014

UH-72A Lakota (photo : Airport Data)WASHINGTON - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Thailand for UH-72A Lakota Helicopters and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $89 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on September 26, 2014.The Government of Thailand has requested a possible sale of 9 UH-72A Lakota Helicopters, warranty, spare and repair parts, support equipment, communication equipment, publications and technical documentation, Aviation Mission Planning Station, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $89 million.This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States, by helping to improve the security of a major non-NATO ally.This proposed sale will contribute to Thailand’s goal of upgrading and modernizing its military forces with a new light utility helicopter capable of meeting requirements for rotary-wing transportation, while further enhancing interoperability between Thailand the U.S., and among other allies. Thailand will have no difficulty absorbing these helicopters into its armed forces.The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.The principal contractor will be EADS North America in Herndon, Virginia. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.Implementation of this proposed sale will require ten contractor representatives to travel to Thailand for a period of five weeks for equipment deprocessing/fielding and system checkout.There will be no adverse impact on the U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.(DSCA)